Shelter Allowance Program

In this guide we explain how you can get the shelter allowance, all the details and how to apply for it in a simple step-by-step manner. Continue reading and learn how much they pay, when they pay, what are the requirements and who are entitled to access this benefit.

OVERVIEW OF THE SHELTER ALLOWANCE PROGRAM

If housing takes up the majority of your budget and at least one of the following conditions applies to you, you may be eligible for the shelter allowance program.

1. You are 50 years old and live alone.
2. Also you have a spouse, one of whom is 50 years old or older.
3. You are a member of a low-income family with at least one dependent kid. (made up of employees, students, or income-security beneficiaries, for example)

The shelter allowance program covers the following:

1. Homeowners.
2. Tenants.
3. Inhabitants of a rooming house.
4. Any person who lives in a house with one or more other people.

The shelter allowance program considers the number of persons in your family, the kind of household you reside in, your income, and your monthly rent when determining your eligibility.

You may get an allowance of up to $80 each month in the form of a check or direct deposit. After you submit your fully completed application, you will generally start getting the allowance one month later. Once a year, we evaluate the allowance amount. By utilizing the online service for persons to access a shelter allowance file in My Account, you may check the progress of your application, see your monthly payments, and examine any notices of determination that may be issued to you.

Check to discover whether you are eligible for a shelter allowance

1. The shelter allowance program can also assist with mortgage payments.
2. Even though your rent is less than the amount listed, you may be eligible for the shelter allowance program if you pay your own electricity or heating.
3. Your total income for the 2020 ​tax year, excluding monthly child support payments (up to $350 per kid)

In the following situations, you are not eligible for the shelter allowance program:

• You reside in a government-funded health and social services center or a low-rent housing unit (HLM).
• Also you get a rent supplement or another type of housing assistance.
• You or your spouse, if applicable, own items or have cash in excess of $50,000 in worth (excluding the value of your residence, land, furniture and car).

Keep in Mind

You and your spouse, if you have one, must have submitted your Québec income tax return in order to get the shelter allowance. You must also fulfill the program’s eligibility requirements and submit all needed papers with your application. It’s worth noting that each pair may only submit one application. Regardless of who files the application, the allowance amount will be the same.

Please contact them for a Shelter Allowance Application if you believe you qualify for the program (form LEX-165-V). The form is not accessible over the internet.

For additional information, read the Shelter Allowance Program booklet IN-165-V or visit the Société d’habitation du Québec website.